National Hispanic Cultural Center names Philip Baca as deputy director

The National Hispanic Cultural Center continues to add to its leadership team.

At the Feb. 22 NHCC Board of Directors meeting, Philip Baca was announced as NHCC deputy director, though his first official day was Jan. 10.

He replaces Alberto Cuessy, who was in various roles during his tenure at the NHCC.

“Philip has been a tremendous asset to the Center’s leadership team since he joined us last year, and we all appreciate his diligence and attention to detail,” said Zack Quintero, NHCC executive director. “I’m thrilled to see him take on a new challenge at the center as our team continues to grow!”

Baca was hired in May 2023 as the NHCC’s finance manager.

With his role as deputy director, he will oversee financial needs, infrastructure requests, as well as, working together with the center’s leadership team.

Baca was born and raised in Santa Rosa.

He went to high school and junior college at New Mexico Military Institute, where he got his associates’ degree.

He transferred to New Mexico State University where he received Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Agricultural Economics.

During his time at NMSU, he was a Research Specialist with the Range Improvement Task Force, researching finance options for the New Mexico Livestock Board.

At the conclusion of his research, Baca became the Chief Financial Officer for the Livestock Board.

After six years in that role, he returned to NMMI to teach and eventually became an Associate Professor of Business and the Associate Dean of Social Sciences.

“It is an honor to be chosen as the deputy director and to work alongside such a talented team,” Baca said. “I look forward to working with them to advance Hispanic culture in our community, the state of New Mexico, and throughout the nation.”